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IN FT Magazine

I wanted to travel – to be something like a photojournalist, a reporter at large, go to places and pick up information and bring it back.

Public school or state school? University or straight into work?

State schools, a private Catholic school in France and St Hilda’s in Bushey, another private school. I loved the school in France once I’d mastered the language. I did a secretarial training when I left school at 16. Then, when I was in a temporary job, I was spotted by the Cadbury people. I did a photo for one of their campaigns and everything bounced on from there.

Who was your mentor?

In terms of my cinematic life, Luchino Visconti. I worked with him at a young age and he gave me a unique insight.

How physically fit are you?

I had a father who was a very famous athlete and I think I’ve inherited his physical tone. I’m fit, without doing much exercise, thanks to dad.

Ambition or talent: which matters more to success?

Ambition and talent. However wonderful the talent, who’s going to see it if you don’t push it out there?

Have you ever taken an IQ test?

No – I probably wouldn’t dare. All my illusions about myself would be shattered.